The hot homebuilder sector (XHB) gets even more buzz as TRI Pointe Homes (TRH) ups the size of its IPO to 13.69M shares from 11.7M. The builder (mostly CA, also CO) would now raise $205M based on the midpoint of the expected price range of $14-$16/share.

Validus (VR) files with the SEC to return 7.7M shares of Transatlantic (TRH) - tendered in its bid to buy its rival - after saying certain conditions of its offer weren't satisfied. Transatlantic's board fought Validus's bid tooth and nail, opting in the end to accept Alleghany's (Y) $3.4B stock and cash deal.

As expected, Alleghany (Y) confirms it will buy reinsurer Transatlantic (TRH+4.7%) for $3.4B in cash and stock, or $59.79/share. That's a 10% premium on TRH's Friday close. The deal theoretically ends a long process involving a series of suitors for TRH, although it's already called off an M&A with Allied World. (previous) (PR)

Transatlantic (TRH) is in talks with yet another suitor, Alleghany (Y), and the firms may even announce their engagement today, reports say. Alleghany will pay about $59-60 a share, a premium of up to 10% on Transatlantic's close on Friday. The price values Transtlantic at $3.4B, above Alleghany's market cap of $2.7B. (previous)

The back-and-forth between Transatlantic (TRH+1.5%) and Validus (VR+2.1%) continues with a SEC filing from the erstwhile buyer making a direct proxy appeal to TRH shareholders: "Validus has a superior business plan for the combined company that will drive earnings by capturing the best priced segments of the reinsurance market. A combined Validus/Transatlantic would derive a majority of its premiums from short-tail lines and 17% of premiums written from property catastrophe."

Transatlantic's board (TRH) officially rejects a cash-and-stock exchange offer from Validus (VR) saying the revised proposal is "substantially lower than book value." The company tells shareholders it's still discussing strategic alternative with two other parties.

Like a maiden who can't decide on whom to walk down the aisle with, if at all, reinsurer Transatlantic (TRH) rejects Validus' (VR) latest increased cash-and-stock bid of up to $3.46B. Valdius is not best pleased and will try to replace Transatlantic's board with three independent directors. Reuters has a summary of Transatlantic's dalliances. (PR)

The battle for Transatlantic (TRH) takes another turn as the reinsurer enters negotiations with a fourth, unnamed, suitor. The talks add to discussions TRH has been holding with Validus (VR), Berkshire's (BRK.A) National Indemnity, and an additional undisclosed party. (PR)

Transatlantic (TRH+3.9%) enters into a confidentiality agreement and discussions with a third party about potential strategic options, adding another party to the list of suitors angling for the reinsurance company. TRH says the agreement is in addition to previously announced pacts with Validus (VR+2.1%) and National Indemnity (BRK.A +6.7%).

Transatlantic (TRH) is reportedly exploring a "limited standstill" agreement with Validus (VR), after rejecting a reinstated offer from National Indemnity (BRK.A) and calling off a planned merger with Allied World Assurance (AWH).

Transatlantic (TRH) announces receipt of a reinstated offer from Buffett's National Indemnity (BRK.A) for $52/share, set to expire at the end of business today. Believing its book value to be $69-$70, the Transatlantic Board rejects the offer, saying it "would not deliver fair value to its shareholders." (PR)

Transatlantic (TRH) will pay Allied World (AWH) a termination fee of $35M and expenses of $13.3M after their merger hits the skids, as part of the agreement between the firms. Shareholders of Tranatlantic will also see $455M added to an existing shareholder repurchasement plan. Premarket: TRH-1.1%, AWH+0.5%.

The Company is a holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware. Originally formed in 1986 under the name PREINCO Holdings, Inc. as a holding company for Putnam Reinsurance Company ("Putnam"), the Company's name was changed to Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. on April 18, 1990 following the...More